Healthy Eating

10 Foods That Help Slow Down Signs of Aging

Looking for ways to slow down the hands of time? Here are 10 foods to add to your diet that can help boost your metabolism, hydrate your skin, improve sleep and more.

1 of 10

Pepitas

<p>Some studies have shown a correlation between magnesium intake and <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8135325" target="_blank">a reverse in permanent hearing loss</a> caused by loud noises. If your day job has you exposed to loud noises, add some high magnesium foods to your diet, like <a href="https://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/foods-high-in-magnesium.php" target="_blank"> pumpkin seeds</a>. These tiny little gems contain 81 percent of the recommended daily value per half cup. Sprinkle some roasted pumpkin seeds on a salad, or try making your own pumpkin seed butter.</p>

2 of 10

Oysters

<p>Some studies have shown that zinc has a positive effect on <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17541266" target="_blank">thyroid hormone levels</a>, which can help regulate the resting metabolic rate. Your metabolism helps to break down food and convert it into energy. If you have thyroid issues, or are simply looking for a metabolism boost, head our to your local oyster house tonight — six cooked oysters have a <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17541266" target="_blank">huge amount of zinc</a>, containing 33 mg.</p>

3 of 10

Chocolate

<p>Raise your hand if you’re happy to read that you no longer have to feel guilty about your chocolate habits! Studies have shown that <a href="http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/early/2014/12/16/ajcn.114.092189.abstract" target="_blank">cocoa flavonol</a> helps reduce the symptoms of age-related cognitive dysfunction. Look for good quality dark chocolate that has the <a href="http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cocoa-sweet-treat-brain-201502057676" target="_blank">highest concentration of flavonols</a> per ounce.</p>

4 of 10

Salmon

<p>An ideal source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B-12 and iron, salmon can help boost scalp health, giving your locks a shiny boost. <a href="http://www.hairscientists.org/human-hair/nutrition-and-hair-health" target="_blank">Deficiencies in omega-3 fats</a> can manifest in a dry, scaly scalp and dull hair, so throw some salmon on the grill to help boost your locks.</p>

5 of 10

Citrus Fruit

<p>The richest sources of vitamin C and antioxidants are fruits and vegetables, and citrus fruits like oranges are a favourite. Foods high in vitamin C may <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583891/" target="_blank">help keep your skin looking young</a>, and minimizing the appearance of wrinkles.</p>

6 of 10

Carrots

<p>High in beta-carotene, carrots (and other beta-carotene foods like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, mangoes and papayas) <a href="http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/betacarotene" target="_blank">may help protect the skin against UV-damage</a>. A diet high in carrots isn’t a reason to forget to apply sunscreen: foods high in beta-carotene do not prevent sunburn.</p>

Thinkstock

7 of 10

Eggs

<p>Did you know eggs could help protect your eyes from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration? Eggs yolks are a <a href="http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/top-foods-to-help-protect-your-vision" target="_blank">rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin</a>, carotenoids that are also found in the retina. Including these compounds in your diet may improve pigment density in the macula, helping it to absorb excess blue and ultraviolet light, and neutralizing free radicals. So, keep your peepers strong by adding healthy eggs to your diet.</p>

Stockfood

8 of 10

Avocado

<p>Avocados are high in monounsaturated fat (the healthy kind of fat), which can <a href="http://www.webmd.com/beauty/skin-glow-13/anti-aging-skin-foods?page=1" target="_blank">help keep your skin hydrated</a>. They’re also known to boost skin and hair health as they’re high in vitamin E.</p>

9 of 10

Collard Greens

<p>Adding dark, leafy greens such as collards, kale or dandelion greens to your diet can help boost your bone health. These <a href="https://www.nof.org/patients/treatment/nutrition/" target="_blank">greens are high in calcium</a>, which is an important nutrient for building strong bones and warding off osteoporosis.</p>

10 of 10

Sour Cherry Juice

<p>Studies have shown that drinking two one-ounce servings of tart cherry juice per day can increase your night’s sleep by 30 minutes, and improve your sleep efficiency. The <a href="http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00394-011-0263-7" target="_blank">subjects in the study</a> who consume the tart cherry juice had increased levels of melatonin (the hormone that helps regulate sleep). Cheers to that!</p>
<p>You might also like: <strong><a href="http://www.slice.ca/health/photos/eating-these-foods-could-make-you-look-younger/" target="_blank">Eating These 10 Foods Could Make You Look Younger</a></strong></p>